System and method for mobile network function virtualization

Abstract

In one embodiment, a method for mobile network function virtualization (MNFV) includes creating an evolved packet core (EPC) cluster and associating a sub-network with the EPC cluster. The method also includes booting a virtual machine (VM) and attaching the VM to the EPC.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for mobile network function virtualization (MNFV), the method comprising:
 creating, by a tenant, an evolved packet core (EPC) cluster, comprising creating the EPC cluster by a first application program interface (API); 
 associating a sub-network with the EPC cluster; 
 booting, by the tenant, a virtual machine (VM); 
 attaching the VM to the EPC cluster; 
 transmitting a plug-in request to an element management system (EMS) by a second API, wherein the plug-in request is destined for a network; and 
 performing geographical partitioning of resources, wherein performing geographical partitioning comprises:
 creating a global zone; 
 associating a site with the global zone; 
 creating a local zone; 
 associating the local zone with the global zone; 
 associating the local zone with the site; and 
 performing subscriber provisioning in accordance with the global zone, the local zone, and the site. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 deleting the VM; and 
 deleting the EPC cluster. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein attaching the VM to the EPC cluster comprises contacting a cloud management system (CMS). 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising creating a port of the VM. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 creating a network interface controller (NIC); and 
 attaching the NIC to the port. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , further comprising deleting the port. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 4 , further comprising determining an internet protocol (IP) address of the port. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising transmitting policy control and rules for a user plane to an operation support system (OSS). 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising accessing a database of authentication information. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising testing the EPC cluster. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising creating an access point name (APN) for a site. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising transmitting a create topology message to a compute module. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising creating a policy by a third API. 
     
     
       14. A tenant computer comprising:
 a processor; and 
 a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing programming for execution by the processor, the programming including instructions to:
 create an evolved packet core (EPC) cluster, comprising creating the EPC cluster by a first application program interface (API), 
 associate a sub-network with the EPC cluster, 
 boot a virtual machine (VM), 
 attach the VM to the EPC cluster, 
 transmit a plug-in request to an element management system (EMS) by a second API, wherein the plug-in request is destined for a network; and 
 perform geographical partitioning of resources, wherein performing geographical partitioning comprises:
 creating a global zone; 
 associating a site with the global zone; 
 creating a local zone; 
 associating the local zone with the global zone; 
 associating the local zone with the site; and 
 performing subscriber provisioning in accordance with the global zone, the local zone, and the site. 
 
 
 
     
     
       15. The tenant computer of  claim 14 , wherein the instructions further comprise instructions to create a port of the VM.